HOUSTON — A young mother and a 25-year-old man were killed in a crash Thursday night that Houston police say was caused by a red light runner.
The family of 23-year-old Cindy Vasquez said she had a baby and a bright future after graduating from the University of Houston on a full-ride scholarship. She was set to take her exam to become a teacher in two weeks.
“I will always remember my sister as someone who always gets her own and does it on her own,” Yahir Vazquez said. “I miss her, like, I really do miss her.”
Her mother, Cindy Hurtado, feels empty as she grieves the loss of her daughter.
In Spanish, she said, “She was pure joy. You would never see her upset. Never. On the contrary, and now I won’t get to see her smile.”
Cindy was a passenger in a white Silverado pickup that crashed after 11 p.m. in the 5300 block of Hollister Street at the intersection of Highway 290.
She was ejected after the truck ran a red light and slammed into a Honda Civic, Houston Police Sgt. Dionne Griffiths said.
“Few witnesses have come forward and they said that the truck ran the red light, as well as the driver of that truck admitted to not being able to stop,” Sgt. Griffiths said.
Cindy’s family said the driver is Vazquez’s husband. Police have not confirmed that.
The impact of the collision caused the Civic to land on top of the Silverado, then strike a curb and roll over several times, according to investigators.
The 25-year-old male driver of the car was also killed.
Police said speed could have played a factor. We don't have his name yet.
Meanwhile, Yahir Vazquez is trying to stay strong for his family, who is broken over the tragic loss of his older sister, Cindy Alondra Vazquez.
“That’s my best friend. That’s who I grew up with,” Yahir said. “That’s my everything. My sister.”
The 28-year-old driver of the truck survived the crash and is in the hospital.
Police said he showed no signs of intoxication.
There are no charges at this time but investigators said they will consult with the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
The family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with Cindy’s funeral expenses.